Manchester

Taxi drivers in Greater Manchester given new dress code and behaviour rules

Price-setting will also be made uniform across the city region.

The Manc The Manc - 30th September 2021

Taxi drivers in Greater Manchester are to be given a dress code and a new set of rules for their cabs which includes an eating ban and no vaping.

According to the BBC, council chiefs in all 10 boroughs have signed up to minimum standards for private hire and hackney carriage drivers in the licensing process.

There will be a minimum English proficiency test for all drivers including enhanced criminal record and medical checks.

Price-setting will also be made uniform across the city region.

Mantax | Manchester's Largest Fleet Of Black Cabs
Mantax

The standards agreement also means drivers are bound to take the shortest routes possible and must keep their vehicles clean and comfortable for passengers, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

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Details of the scheme presented to Trafford Council before being approved stated that the “collaborative approach” would help achieve “a strong, professional and healthy” taxi and private hire sector to provide “safe and high quality services” across Greater Manchester.

The standards, which also ask drivers to be punctual and park considerately, are based on feedback from a consultation involving drivers, customers and unions in June.

There are an estimated 2,000 hackney vehicles, 11,500 private hire vehicles and 18,600 drivers in the region.

Manchester

An iconic vintage train is set to pass through Greater Manchester this summer

Danny Jones Danny Jones Vintage 125 Inter-City train passing through Greater Manchester August 2026

Calling all railway enthusiasts: another historic vintage locomotive is set to visit two Greater Manchester train stations this summer.

Whether you’re a passionate trainspotter or just a nearby resident curious to see what all the fuss is about, the cult favourite retro carriages will pass through the pair of Manc boroughs and surrounding areas early next month.

Despite an adjustment in the initial plans, locals will still be able to witness and board the train at multiple stops along the way in the Stockport (Reddish South station) and Rochdale areas.

So, if you consider yourself a bit of a ‘Francis Bourgeois’ figure, or a general public transport connoisseur, pay attention.

The retro train in question is an iconic throwback: the Inter-City 125 ‘Summer Riviera’ HST service, originally manufactured during the 1970s.

Designed by Sir Kenneth Granger and officially launched back in 1976, the fleet was named as such after the top speed of 125mph – simple as that.

Once again, it’s worth noting that the originally proposed route and stops have now been changed due to issues with Network Rail.

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As a result of there currently being no standing approval to use the connection from Paignton to Bury on the East Lancs Railway line, they have been forced to change the start and terminus points.

Writing on the dedicated 125Group website, they say: “We are reviewing our options to start as close as possible to the advertised departure point, and it seems likely that Rochdale will become the start and finish point, with all other previous pick-ups retained.

“For those in the far south west, we are looking to see whether we can offer an Exeter to Paignton return – subject to availability of space. We will add this to the booking site shortly, although we may have to limit numbers sold until we are more certain of booking levels to Bristol and Exeter.”

Two 125s, including ‘The Mancunian Princess’, travelled through the SK region earlier this year.

They have reassured that the journey will still be going ahead and have simply advised those hoping to catch it to keep their eyes peeled on the website and their socials for the latest updates.

Kids’ tickets start from just a tenner, and standard passes for the full tour cost £99, with first-class the class option priced at £149 (there’s also a table for two supplement available for £50).

You can see the full map, find out more information, and grab your seats right HERE.

Bet the internet signal on this relic isn’t far off the current standard either, to be fair…

Internet signals reportedly ‘100x faster on the moon’ than on some UK trains
Give us (signal) strength.

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Featured Images — David Hitchbone (via Geograph)/MaltaGC (via Wikimedia Commons)

Manchester

Oasis’ (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? named biggest UK studio album EVER by Official Charts

Danny Jones Danny Jones Whats the Story Morning glory biggest UK album ever

You’re damn right: Oasis continue to be MASSIVE as new figures from the Official Charts Company have confirmed that (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? has clocked in as the biggest UK studio album of all time.

The Britpop icons and history go hand in hand.

Yes, according to the latest numbers by our domestic chart-crunchers, only two other albums surpassed Oasis‘ second LP – and they’re both greatest hits collections.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, 22 July, just over a whole year on from those reunion world tour shows at Heaton Park. How fitting.

Starting off by channelling Liam Gallagher energy and quipping that “Oasis vibes are in the area”, they go on to explain the colossal cumulative record.

“Oasis claim one of the biggest honours in British music history, they write, “as (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? is named the UK’s Official biggest studio album of all time, according to new Official Charts Company data.”

Combining UK sales of the record – both physical and digital over the years – along with modern streaming statistics, the sophomore outing from the Britpop giants has amassed approximately 6.2 million UK chart units. Staggering stuff.

Last year’s Live ’25 shows have no doubt helped give an added boost to their metrics, but it’s still gargantuan stuff from the local band.

Yet another incredible stat not just for the Burnage boys but the Manchester music scene as a whole.

Besides picking up the bronze medal overall, it’s also worth noting that ‘Wonderwall’ is also enjoying a resurgence in the singles rankings, thanks to being embraced by the England team and fans alike for the 2026 World Cup.

Oasis’ Wonderwall on the brink of becoming UK number one for first time ever 30 years after initial release
2026 looks to be just as big a comeback, by the looks of things.

In case you were wondering who beat them out in the race for the top spot, they were pipped to the post by Queen’s Greatest Hits and the same again from ABBA, two worthy opponents to take third place after.

You can see the rest of the list in full right HERE.

Oh, and Definitely Maybe also made the list, too, coming in at number 39 – making that two in the top 50 even amongst all the compilations.

It feels like last July all over again, doesn’t it? And if now isn’t the perfect time to stick on the title track, we don’t know what is.

Actually, sod it – we’re sticking the full thing on…

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Featured Images — Creation Records/Audio North

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